Question

5. Describe the needs for achievement and affiliation. Identify some of the characteristics associated with each of these needs. How are these needs often assessed?

Answer 1

5.

Among the various important theories of motivation one theory which have had a great influence on Psychologists, researchers as well as common curious people is the theory of motivation by McClelland. This theory has spoken about three important needs of individuals which are of 'power', 'affiliation' and 'achievement'.

Coming to the topic of interest, achievement need can be understood as the desire or need of an individual to excel at something or to be successful in whatever he does or in his or her performance. On the other hand, affiliation need is the desire of an individual to feel attached or to feel that he or she is a part of a group or belongs to a group of people.

The important characteristics associated with achievement need are an interest in doing tasks which are challenging, the tasks must be of moderate difficulty and not very easy or hard, the person with high achievement need tends to be more focussed on his or her performance rather than on the rewards he or she gets or will get. Another important characteristic is that these individuals always strive for feedbacks which may help them to analyse their potential and can help them in improving.

The important characteristics of affiliation need are of high conformity and a desire to feel loved. There is also an associated presence of slight dependency and lack of self esteem.

Though through a proper interview and case history a Psychologist can assess and have an understanding of the need of affiliation and achievement of the client yet there are tests to assess them. One test which is used in many places is the "Multi-Motive Grid (MMG)".